Straight Lining

[CVfisher]

Has anyone here have experience using one of the straight line rod/reels that are out there. I like the concept and just trying to decide if I want to pop on a Fabril combo that is currently on sale. What is your experience with them?
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[TyeDyeTwins]

Tom is that you? I thought you were dead or something!
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[CVfisher]

IMA still kicken!
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[wiperhunter2]

Hey Tom, are you talking about one of those rods where the line runs on the inside, instead of through the guides?
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[WiperMac]

I have a couple of the Frabill 261 matched up with Schooley's noodle rods for pan fishing and have been very happy with them.The 2.6.1gear ratio offered on these reels IMHO is much nicer than a 1.1 reels. The ability to drop a tiny bait with zero line twist is awesome.

The only issue I've ever had was my first trip out got a pretty good birds nest because I wasn't paying attention to my drop. Jig hit bottom and the spool just keep on a spinning. Can say that's a problem with the reel though. [pirate]
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[CVfisher]

Np Curt, its basically a fly reel on an ice rod. It eliminates line twist that you get from a spinning rod. The bait / jig is presented more naturally as there is no spin caused by the twist in the line. I think I am gonna pick one up to try this weekend. I will give a report and review.
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[fishnate]

I've got an Eagle Claw with a greater than 1:1 (can't recall the ratio, 2.4:1 maybe) and a nice HT ice fly reel with 1:1, not the ultra cheepo one. I won't buy another Eagle Claw when this one breaks because it seems to have lower quality components, but it's working pretty good so far. The higher gear ratio definitely helps to keep up with the fish.

I love them for water shallower than 20'. The nice smooth free-spool system of the Eagle Claw and Frabil make it easier to go deeper. They aren't really designed for super deep applications like mack fishing. You do have to be careful of backlash similar to baitcasting reels especially when using a heavier bait. It's very nice not having the tiny coils due to the larger arbor. Fill it most of the way with fly line backing, then top it off with 50 yrd or so of 2-6 lb line. The only line twist you get comes from fish spinning as they fight or perhaps if you use spoons or tube jigs down deep.

I also like the models with a longer extension on the foot since I personally hate the pencil grip method. The Frabill 261 appears to be a much better reel than the Eagle Claw and should be a great buy.
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